OSTEOARTHRITIS
The incidence of Osteoarthritis increases with age and
other factors which have been linked to Osteoarthritis
such as fractures, ligament tears, muscle weakness,
and obesity. Osteoarthritis is characterised by the
enzymatic and mechanical breakdown of extracellular
matrix, leading to degeneration the cartilage of the
joints. The most common symptoms are pain and stiffness,
with an associated reduction in joint range of motion.
Accompanying pain and stiffness are limitations to normal
activities of daily living such as getting up from a
chair, walking, balance, and using stairs.

The process of inflammation in Osteoarthritis involves
the release of proinflammatory chemicals. Fatty acids
have been proposed to reduce chronic inflammation by
reducing the chemicals associated with the inflammatory
process.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune chronic disease,
mainly characterized by inflammation of the lining of
the joints. Autoimmune diseases are illnesses which
occur when the body tissues are mistakenly attacked
by its own immune system. Rheumatoid arthritis can lead
to long-term joint damage, resulting in chronic pain,
loss of function and disability.

Rheumatoid arthritis progresses in three stages. The
first stage is the swelling of the lining of the joints
which causes pain, warmth, stiffness, redness and swelling
around the joint. Second is the rapid division and growth
of cells which causes the joint lining to thicken. In
the third stage, the inflamed cells release enzymes
that may digest bone and cartilage, often causing the
involved joint to lose its shape and alignment causing
more pain, and loss of movement.

Because it is a chronic disease, rheumatoid arthritis
continues indefinitely and may not go away. Frequent
flares in disease activity can occur. Rheumatoid arthritis
is a systemic disease, which means it not only affects
the joints but can also cause inflammation of the tissue
around the joints, as well as other organs in the body.
Early diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
is critical if you want to continue living a productive
lifestyle.

Currently, the cause of Rheumatoid arthritis is unknown,
although there are several theories. Even though infectious
agents such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi have long
been suspected, none has been proven as the cause. The
cause of rheumatoid arthritis is a very active area
of worldwide research. Some scientists believe that
the tendency to develop rheumatoid arthritis may be
genetically inherited. It is suspected that certain
infections or factors in the environment might trigger
the immune system to attack the body's own tissues,
resulting in inflammation in various organs of the body
such as the lungs or eyes.